He has sold as many records as the Beatles and Elvis. He has his own fantasy land modeled after Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. He is admired by millions around the world. He seems to have it all – fame, success, and money. I remember growing up in the 60’s and 70’s and seeing the Jackson Five wow audiences with their vocal talent and Michael’s unbelievable dance moves. But I wonder, does he have happiness, peace or contentment?

You can’t open a newspaper, turn on a television, or listen to the radio without hearing about Michael Jackson’s trial for child molestation. According to reports, this isn’t the first time he has been accused of this type of heinous crime. Several years ago, there was a settlement in the amount of twenty five millions dollars that Jackson paid to the family of young man to keep the case from going to court. It is not for me to judge him regarding this latest incident of accused child molestation.  That will be up to jury of his peers who will hear the case from the prosecution and Michael’s defense from his attorneys. One thing is for certain, Michael’s life has been one of unhappiness (based on his own admission), a search for meaning and significance, and a life that has been about the individual.

It seems as if the success that Michael has experienced has played a major role in his demise over the years.  Michael is not the cute little boy that he used to be when he was on the Ed Sullivan show, or the spunky teenager who struck out on his own. He has become a complex individual who has changed his physical appearance, been in some strange marriages and has over the past several years been referred to as "Whacko Jacko."

God has a lot to say about being successful. In the Old Testament book of Joshua, God says, "Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth.  Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful."  The truth is God wants you to succeed in life.  The catch is, He defines success differently than the world defines it. Success is not about money, fame, or popularity.  Success is defined by living in accordance to the teachings of the bible.